Sri Lanka
Summary
Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe economic crisis which has led to shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food. The major shortage of fuel (diesel and petrol) is affecting transport, businesses, and emergency services. Hospitals and other medical services such as ambulances may be affected by shortages. There are daily power cuts due to electricity rationing. It is more important than ever to get appropriate travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover.
Protests about the economic situation have led to violence against peaceful protesters in recent months, resulting in injuries and loss of life. Tear gas and water cannons have been used to disperse protesters. Protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest could occur at short notice. Curfews and emergency regulations may also be imposed. You should be vigilant, avoid large gatherings and keep up to date with developments via this travel advice and local media.
See ‘Shortages’ and ‘Political Situation’ for more details.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Sri Lanka
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Sri Lanka’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
ItIf you’re planning travel to Sri Lanka, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section. You should also check the Entry requirements section for details on COVID-19 tests and how to demonstrate evidence of your vaccination status.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sri Lanka. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. More than 250 people including tourists were killed on Easter Sunday in April 2019 in terrorist attacks that targeted churches and hotels. See Terrorism
Dengue fever occurs throughout the country. See Health
Sri Lanka can be affected by severe weather including tropical cyclones and monsoon rains. See Natural disasters
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Update history
2024-11-19 12:24
Updated information on the political and economic situation in Sri Lanka (‘Safety and Security’ page).
2024-11-14 14:33
Updated information on terrorism in Sri Lanka (‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-10-25 14:00
Information on a heightened terrorist threat in Sri Lanka (‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-10-23 18:31
There is a heightened terrorist threat in Sri Lanka. Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals such as hotels, tourist sites and places of worship (‘Warnings & Insurance’ and ‘Safety & Security’)
2024-10-23 05:48
US Travel alert issued for the Arugam Bay area.
2024-09-30 17:02
Update to visa requirements to enter Sri Lanka and the announcement of parliamentary elections (‘Entry requirements’ page and ‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-09-22 17:39
Curfew restrictions throughout Sri Lanka removed following conclusion of presidential elections
2024-09-22 03:38
Extension of curfew in Sri Lanka, following Presidential elections on 21 September (‘Warnings and insurance.’)
2024-09-21 19:38
Sri Lankan authorities have announced a country wide curfew from 2200 on 21 September until 0600 on the 22 September Sri Lankan Standard Time. Travel to and from airports is permitted with a flight ticket. Please follow advice from local authorities (Warning and Insurance Section).
2024-08-06 13:43
Update to visa application process (See ‘Visa requirements’ on the ‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-08-01 11:52
Updates made throughout the travel advice, including to the following sections: Crime; Terrorism; Laws and cultural differences; Transport risks; Vaccine recommendations and health risks.
2024-04-24 12:29
Updated information on applying for a visa (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-04-05 12:11
Additional information on emergency medical numbers, road travel and safety and security (‘Entry requirements’, ‘Safety and security’, and ‘Health’ pages).
2024-01-11 15:38
Clarification on the process to apply for a tourist visa on arrival to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-10-31 12:14
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-07-25 16:48
Information on Sri Lanka’s economic situation (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-06-22 09:45
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-05-22 11:41
Removed information about winds and showers across Sri Lanka from 10 May (‘Summary’ page).
2023-05-09 18:14
Strong winds and showers expected across Sri Lanka from 10 May (‘Summary’ page)
2023-04-21 14:28
Updated information on the online arrival card system (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-04-18 12:47
Addition of information on the online arrival card system introduced (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-03-02 09:37
Removal of information on travel disruption due to a nationwide strike on 2 March 2023 (‘Summary’ page).
2023-02-28 14:54
Addition of information on travel disruption due to a nationwide strike on 2 March 2023 (‘Summary’ page).
2023-02-06 11:04
Removal of information about restricted access to Galle Face Green and surrounding areas 3-4 February 2023 (‘Summary’ page).
2023-02-03 16:10
New information about restricted access to Galle Face Green and surrounding areas 3-4 February 2023 (‘Summary’ page).
2022-12-12 13:54
Addition of information on the removal COVID-19 entry requirements (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-08-27 13:35
Updated information. The UK no longer advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka (See ‘Summary’).
2022-08-26 05:33
Updated information. The UK no longer advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka (See ‘Summary’).
2022-07-22 12:47
Updated information about protests (‘Summary’ page)
2022-07-19 12:06
Removal of outdated information on fuel stocks and impacts on 1990 Ambulance Service (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-07-15 11:17
Updated information on the end of the national curfew (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-07-14 10:15
Updated information on the declaration of a new curfew in Sri Lanka (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-07-13 18:06
Addition of information on the declaration of a State of Emergency and imposition of an island wide curfew
2022-07-11 16:15
Addition of information on the impact of fuel shortages on the 1990 Ambulance service (‘Summary’ and ‘Health’ pages). Removal of information on the police curfew and protests
2022-07-08 16:52
From 9pm on 8 July, a police curfew was declared in 7 areas in the city centre of Colombo and its outskirts: Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central, Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Nugegoda, and Keleniya (‘Summary’ page).
2022-07-08 10:43
Addition of information and advice about planned protests on 8 and 9 July (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-07-05 13:27
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, due to the impact of the current economic crisis
2022-07-01 16:18
Updated information on the severity of the fuel crisis and potential delays accessing emergency services (‘Summary’, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Health’ pages)
2022-06-30 16:31
Update to information on the economic crisis, shortages of basic necessities and civil unrest (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-06-20 15:57
Updated information on an increase in violent protests around fuel stations and changes to COVID-19 restrictions (‘Safety and security’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-06-10 12:13
The FCDO no longer advise against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka
2022-05-27 15:44
Adding information on reports of a large scale protest due to take place on Saturday 28 May, between the areas of Colpetty, Galle Face and Fort in Colombo (‘Summary’ page).
2022-05-26 11:18
Updated information on the end of the State of Emergency (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-05-18 09:40
Updated information on restrictions, including curfews (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-05-13 16:18
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) now advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, due to ongoing political and economic instability. This advice does not apply to airside transit through Sri Lanka’s international airport. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ sections)
2022-05-10 15:16
Update to information on island-wide curfew and possible further strike action (‘Summary’ page)
2022-05-09 13:32
Update to information on an island-wide curfew, imposed with immediate effect (‘Summary’ page)
2022-05-09 09:38
New information on an incident in the Galle Face area involving protestors (‘Summary’ page).
2022-05-07 07:05
Addition to the Safety and Security section following the President’s declaration of a State of Emergency on 6 May.
2022-04-29 16:42
Update to information on the political situation (‘Safety and security’ page) and updated information on arrival protocols and insurance (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-21 11:54
Removal of information on the curfew in Rambukkana that has been lifted (‘Safety and security’ page)
2022-04-19 18:25
On 19 April, there were reports of an incident in Rambukkana town involving police and protestors. A curfew is now in place in the Rambukkana area (‘Safety and security’ page)
2022-04-06 16:12
Update to information on protests (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-04-04 15:55
Updated information on island-wide curfew. Additional information on protests. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and Security’ pages)
2022-04-02 14:38
Updated information on island-wide curfew (see ‘Summary’)
2022-04-02 11:17
On 1 April the Government of Sri Lanka declared a public emergency (‘Summary’ page)
2022-04-01 16:22
Addition of information on protests and imposition of temporary local curfews (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and Security’ pages)
2022-03-07 17:17
New information on the economic situation and shortages (‘Summary’ page)
2022-02-28 11:49
Update to information on entry rules for fully vaccinated travellers (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)
2022-02-21 14:29
Update to information on testing requirements for entry to Sir Lanka (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ page)